News

Dec 06, 2022
As the meetings and trade show industry continues its post-pandemic rebound, Sodexo convention center workers in five major convention markets are warning of looming labor disputes over what they describe as poor working conditions and stagnant wages. The potentially impacted venues include the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Huntington Place in Detroit and the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, Calif. On Nov. 21, cooks, dishwashers, banquet servers, concession… more
Dec 05, 2022
The recovery of the meetings and events industry is moving forward on a positive trajectory, with venues reporting continued growth in event volume levels, according to the latest IACC Meeting Room of the Future Barometer (MRoTF). Released on Nov. 28, the barometer is the latest in an ongoing series of IACC quarterly reports combining research and insights into the recovery of IACC venues, demand cycles, staffing influences and important trends being seen as venues work to return to 2019 operating levels. Research for the MRoTF was accessed via a survey, conducted in Oct. 2022, and includes… more
Dec 02, 2022
After being introduced to trade shows 40 years ago during his first job in public relations for the Netherlands Chambers of Commerce, Jimé Essink has had a prolific career in the trade show and conference industry, and his enthusiasm for events has never waned.   “I am passionate about the teamwork and what goes behind the organization of events, the anxiousness and anticipation if all will go well, and the shared excitement when the event is a success,” Essink said. “I will, for example, never forget the joy we had with the Hong Kong jewelry team, when we split the show successfully over… more
Dec 01, 2022
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) is ushering in the next generation of global business event professionals with the selection of 20 people for its annual “20 in Their Twenties” program. The class of 2023 represents business event strategists, suppliers and destinations from the North America and EMEA regions. Supported by the PCMA Foundation and Experience Columbus, the class of 2023 will be honored at PCMA Convening Leaders 2023, set for Jan. 8-11 in Columbus, Ohio. “These 20 leaders represent the future of the global business event industry, as they are making a… more
Nov 29, 2022
Global hospitality leader Sodexo Live! has launched a milestone initiative focused on mental health, career advancement and increasing diversity among its workforce of more than 40,000 employees. Aptly named “People Ambition,” the venue management company’s progressive new Employer Value Proposition (EVP) will include additional resources, training and mentorship opportunities in an effort to attract, retain and grow its ranks of premium hospitality providers.  Based on quantitative yearlong findings from more than 50 surveys of current employees across all roles at the company, from… more
Nov 28, 2022
Growing up in Guatemala, Chef Walter Perez remembers watching his mom and aunt cooking and admiring their creative talent for combining different ingredients into their recipes, an admiration that inspired his journey into the culinary arts. Fast-forward almost three decades later, and you will find the award-winning chef infusing his talent and passion for food and culture into culinary creations bearing a unique Latin American flair that continues to please meeting and event guests at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., year after year. “It’s truly a blessing to… more
Nov 25, 2022
Ever since she can remember, Anna Marie Rembold has been gathering people—starting with being the wrangler and organizer of friends as a kid, to organizing large groups of youth, to applying that passion to the corporate world. “I absolutely love people, and I love—like it’s new every time—seeing the power of people gather and make connections,” Rembold said. “Those connections power the world, and that’s inspiring." Nowadays, that includes virtual world connections as founder and CEO of San Francisco-based Metavent, a virtual events software platform designed to deliver unparalleled… more
Nov 23, 2022
To create a collective effort demonstrating its commitment to the people and places where it operates, ASM Global launched its first "Global Month of Giving," which provides opportunities for team members internationally to dedicate their time, talent and “treasure” through volunteering, giving back and engaging in local community initiatives. “ASM Global operates hundreds of stadiums, convention centers and arenas around the globe, which boost local economies, employ area residents and provide meaningful opportunities for the communities we call home,” said Ron Bension, president and CEO of… more
Nov 22, 2022
Destinations International, the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards, recently unveiled its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) pilot program, “Tourism for All.” Announced at the 2022 Destinations International Advocacy Summit, held Oct. 26-28 in Bloomington, Minn., the new initiative is designed to support CVBs in being more inclusive, welcoming and accessible to prospective visitors and tourism businesses.  Launched in partnership with the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau in… more
Nov 21, 2022
Like many major convention centers across the U.S., Huntington Place is making public safety and security a top priority. On Nov. 4, the downtown Detroit venue rolled out its enhanced public safety and security measures with an all-staff Venue Safety and Security Training offered by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), which provides innovative safety and security guidelines and training to assist venues and their executive teams in managing and prioritizing the protection of all life safety and physical assets.  “Safety is one of the top concerns for meeting planners and… more
Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.  Remodeled Guest Rooms MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las more